2024 Pet Lover’s Issue – Naples Florida Weekly

There isn’t a blood relation. Nor a marriage certificate to make things official. In fact, we’re not even from the same biological species.

But it’s quite true that the animals we hold near and dear to our hearts and bring into our homes to live with us rapidly become another valued member of the family.

And whether that animal roams your home on four legs or slithers, swims or crawls, the old adage often seen on bumper stickers of “Who saved who?” definitely applies to the many people who submitted pictures of their “loved one” for this year’s Pet Lovers contest.

It’s obvious from the hundreds of adorable entries Florida Weekly received that our read- ers care deeply about the animal that brings them so much joy, love and companionship, in return for some scritches behind their ears and the occasional treat.

Even if you didn’t win this year, please know that we loved seeing the animals that put a smile on your face. Because in the end, that’s a prize in itself.

MINNIE | Todd Hildebrant ant

First place – Dog category

¦ Minnie – Todd and Nicki Hildebrant

Ten-year-old Minnie, a Maltese, has been the “most incredible pup” since Todd and Nicki Hildebrant adopted her when she was only 10 weeks old.

“(She is) very sweet and loving, super funny and can bring a smile to anyone’s face,” Minnie’s parents said, adding that she never shies away from the camera. “She’s a total supermodel diva and loves to pose and dress up for any occasion. We often joke that her wardrobe is bigger than ours!”

Capturing photos of her is easy, they said, because Minnie’s offers her doggie smile and “strikes a pose.”

“Her favorite thing is to shop all the stores, go for rides in the car or long walks around the neighborhood,” they added.

TANGO | Robert Sorenson

First place – Cat category

¦ Tango – Robert Sorenson

“The story of Tango is one of curiosity, scars and happy endings,” said Robert Sorenson.

He relayed a cute story about how he and his partner Gwen discovered a “fragile, curious kitten” outside their gym one morning last September. After numerous attempts to feed the kitten, the first day with chicken pieces from his lunch and the next day with wet cat food, Sorenson was finally able to grab the cat, but “not without consequence.”

“In his panic, the kitten slashed me across the ribcage, leaving a physical mark that would forever remind me of Tango’s fierce spirit,” he said. “What followed was nothing short of miraculous. Within mere minutes, the wailing hellcat we had captured transformed into a purring, affectionate bundle of joy. The transition was astonishing— this tiny, scrappy kitten had seamlessly integrated himself into our lives, becoming an unexpected member of our family. Tango has brought constant joy and laughter into our home. Not a day passes without his playful antics or loving purrs to brighten our day.”

Taylor LOOKOUT | Kathryn

First place – Other category

¦ Lookout – Kathryn Taylor

Kathryn Taylor said she thought of the perfect name for her 2-yearold Brangus cow, Lookout, since she is always “looking out for me to give her treats.”

“They like alfalfa cube treats from Rural King. I captured the photo just after giving her some of the cubes,” she said.

Taylor added that Lookout and her other cows act more like dogs because they get so excited when they see her.

“They come running when they see me,” she said. “I’ll give them apples and other treats as well.” ¦

COOPER | Sara Sardano

LOKI | Kathleen Debiak

JADA | Aimee Wise

ARCHIE | Jill Lundy

SANDY | Julie Dunham

DRAKE | Mark Middlebrook

MAX | Carol Burke

KOKO & LIZZIE | Heather Townsend

SMOKEY | Allie Kliegerman

SUGAR | Alisa Coccari

LIZZY | Tom DesRochers

LARRY | Sandy Lamboy

KALI | Kelley Findlay

ACE | Sarah Mora Villalobos

MIMI | Kathy Enders

TOBY | Marylee Tirrell

ROXIE | Audrey Prost

MAXX | Robert G. Simko

FERDI | Sue Curley

BREWSTER Theresa Schrecengost

BEN | William Dukes

MEEKO | Mary McCown

OBI- WAN | Jessica Teets

CAYLEE | Valerie Gottschalk

MANA OLA | Heidi Redmond

MANNY | George Robb

FINN | Ashley Saravia

MONTY | Mark Hammerschick

LOKI | Kim Klein

ZOMBIE | Claus Bokelmann

PETREE | Mindy Sollett

SKYE | Terri Sanfilippo

MOWGLI | Penny Ventura

BLAKE | Clifford H. Schneider

Shelley BELLA PUFFY- PANTS | Sisler

BENTLEY | Gloria Maloney

MANNY | Bonnie Dunayer

MURPHY | Mollie Therese Martin

RAINBOW | Rose Cooke

AUTUMN | Clara Wardein

ZOEY | Jennifer Joseph

LOLA | Myra Segui

HIGGINS | Bob Sommerville

KEVIN | Jason Wise

LUKE | Neil Glazewski

BUFFETT | Rick Tait

BONDO & CASHEW Shannon Smith

SAGE | Pat Zelechoski

VADOR | Kendall Famulare

BOOBOO | Michelle Beaupre

NOELLE | Samantha Seekell

FRANKIE | Bianka Argotti

MIKEY | Julie Murphy

PEACHES | Paulette Cooper

FLETCHER | Gwen VanLoo

BAILEY & BENTLEY Angela Fales

HUNTLEE | Sheila Sommerville

TOBY | Marc Schnee

HOLLY | Pamela Storrar

LEONIDAS | Jessica White

NACHO | Trish Gillis

SUZIE | Michelle Beaupre

MARA | David M. Whitcomb

NUCKY THOMPSON L. Wagner

WRIGLEY | Jennifer Smith

BOB | David Grossi

OLIVE | Beth Gierhart

KARMA | Sandra Lamboy

LUIGI | Ilona Pilotte

BAXTER & REGGIE | Mike Gilbert

BOGEY | Sandi Teaberry

ODIE | Jane Bubnis

SWEETIE | Joann Shiels

KIDDY | Britny Main

ANGEL | Cathy Dame

BENTLEY POOHBEAR Laura Bonavico